If you’re counting down the days until your next Sandals getaway (or you just booked and you’re already mentally on the beach—same), this is your ultimate “before you go” checklist. I’ve rounded up all the to-dos, tips, tricks, and little nuggets of wisdom from my own trips so you can focus on sipping cocktails instead of stressing about logistics.

This guide covers everything—pre-trip check-ins, packing hacks, what to expect on arrival, how to score restaurant reservations, and even my favorite cocktails and mocktails. Bookmark this before you go, and you’ll feel like a Sandals pro by the time you land.

Pre-Trip To-Dos

A little preparation goes a long way in making your arrival stress-free. Here’s what you should do before you ever leave home:

1. Online Check-In: Save yourself time at the front desk and check in before you leave at checkin.sandals.com.

2. Download the Sandals App: This is your secret weapon once you’re on property. You can:

• Use “Gina” (the in-app concierge) to quickly resolve any issues—she’s fast.

• Find menus for every restaurant (and check dress codes ahead of time).

• See the resort map and find your way around like a pro.

• Reserve one restaurant up to a week before arrival so you lock in at least one great dinner spot.

3. Flight Check-In: Don’t forget to check in for your flights 24 hours before departure.

4. Customs Form: Fill out your customs form before landing at your Sandals destination to save time when you arrive.

Travel Day & Arrival Tips

Flying into the Caribbean is exciting—but there are a few key things that make the process smoother:

• Bring Your Passport: This sounds obvious, but double-check that the name on your ticket matches your passport, and that your passport is signed.

• Pack a Pen: You’ll need one for customs forms.

• Empty Water Bottle: Bring it empty through security, then fill it up at your gate.

• Medicine & Valuables: Always keep these in your carry-on.

• TSA PreCheck: If you have it, you’ll love it (and if you don’t, it’s easy to sign up).

• Blanket or Sweater: Planes get cold, and I like to be cozy.

• Backpack: A good travel backpack makes a world of difference. I love this one for staying organized, but this option is also a great pick if you want something slightly smaller. Both are perfect for keeping everything within reach on the plane.

• Checked vs. Carry-On: I usually check a bag because I’m a little extra, but a carry-on will save you time at the airport and eliminates the risk of lost luggage.

When you land, you’ll grab your luggage, go through customs, and then hop on the complimentary Sandals shuttle to your resort. Tipping your shuttle driver a few dollars is appreciated (they’re not Sandals employees).

What to Expect at Check-In

• Room Check-In: Rooms are available at 3:00 PM, check-out is at 11:00 AM. If you arrive early, grab lunch, explore the resort, and let the front desk store your luggage.

• Credit Card Hold: Sandals will put a $400 hold on your card for incidentals. It’s released after you check out (usually within a day).

• Restaurant Reservations: Make reservations for any restaurants that require them as soon as you arrive—prime times fill quickly.

Dress Codes at Sandals

Sandals has two main dress codes:

• Resort Casual: Shorts or jeans, t-shirts or polos. Swimwear must be covered, and footwear is required.

• Resort Evening: Dress pants or jeans for men, dress shirts (long or short sleeve), and dress shoes or nice sandals. No shorts, t-shirts, flip-flops, or hats.

Plan your outfits with these in mind, especially if you want to hit the fancier restaurants.

Packing Tips

Sandals makes packing surprisingly simple—most of your days will be swimsuits and cover-ups. Here’s what I always bring:

• Passport, Credit Card, and Small Bills: You’ll want cash for tipping drivers, porters, and spa staff.

• Bathing Suits, Cover-Ups, and Light Dresses: You’ll live in these until dinner.

• Dress Clothes for Evenings: Something a little nicer for Resort Evening restaurants.

• Sunscreen: Bring your own—gift shop prices are high.

• Beach Bag & Good Book: Your poolside essentials.

• Favorite Reusable Cup: Many guests bring Yetis or Bubba cups for drinks. I love this Brita one for filtered airport water.

• Pool Float: My favorite is this one.

• Reusable Straw: They use paper straws on property—bring your own if that’s not your vibe.

• Snorkel Gear: They provide gear, but I prefer to bring my own—this is my favorite set.

• Underwater Camera: Capture those snorkeling memories.

Bonus: No need to pack shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, or cotton pads—Sandals’ Red Lane Spa provides them in every room.

Resort Hacks & Insider Tricks

This is where the fun begins!

• Foodie Tip: Order multiple appetizers and desserts. It’s included—try everything!

• Beach & Pool Chairs: Get down early and claim your spot for the day.

• Snorkeling Trips: These are included, so take advantage.

• Wi-Fi: Free and resort-wide. Put your phone on airplane mode and use Wi-Fi to avoid roaming charges.

• No Tipping: Sandals staff (waiters, bartenders, housekeepers) can’t accept tips, but you can tip butlers, spa staff, and drivers.

• Safety Tip: Use your in-room safe for passports, cash, and valuables.

• Medical Care: There’s a nurse’s station on property for basic needs.

• Camo Clothing: Don’t bring it—camouflage is restricted to military in many Caribbean islands.

• Scuba: Make sure you stop by the dive desk as soon as you arrive because spots fill up fast! If you’re certified, you get one two-tank dive a day (except travel days) and all the gear’s included (just a small fee if you want a wetsuit). Not certified? You can do a quick resort course or even get fully certified while you’re there for a fee. Wreck and night dives cost extra but are totally worth it.

Must-Try Drinks

Whether you like them spiked or virgin, here are my go-tos:

Cocktails: Hummingbird, Jamaican Smile, Cool Runnings, Yellow Bird, Mango Lassi, Bob Marley, Purple Rain, Ball & Chain, Cannon Ball, BBC, Dirty Banana (and don’t be afraid to ask the bartender to “surprise you”).

Virgin Drinks: Miami Vice, Mango Mojito Smoothie, any flavor daiquiri or margarita, Mango Piña Colada, Pineapple Mojito, and Painkiller with mango and grenadine layered on the bottom.

Coming Back Home

Your departure day will be straightforward—just remember:

• Check-Out but Keep Playing: You’ll need to check out of your room by 11:00 AM, but you still get full access to all the Sandals facilities — the beach, pools, restaurants — until it’s time to head to the airport. The front desk will happily hold your luggage so you can grab lunch, relax by the pool, and soak in every last moment of paradise.

• Airport Process: You’ll go through the foreign airport like normal.

• U.S. Re-Entry: When you land back in the States for your connection, you’ll collect your luggage, go through customs, re-check your bag, then go through security again before heading to your next gate.

Final Thoughts

I hope this guide helps you feel completely prepared for your trip. Sandals makes it easy to just relax and enjoy, but having these little tips in your back pocket will make the whole experience even smoother. If you want to pre-book excursions, spa services, or take advantage of on-site discounts for your next trip while you’re there, let me know—I can help transfer the booking so I can keep watching for additional discounts.

You’re about to have an amazing vacation. Order the extra dessert, claim the best beach chair, and soak it all in—you deserve it.